Sunday, October 30, 2016

OK - I couldn't resist the title but it is a nice segue into this week's challenge at Lasting Memories! The theme for the month is shapes and this week you are asked to use squares on your layouts! There are soo many options here and I choose to use a mosaic pattern. I followed a pinwheel pattern and came up with this....

The idea behind the pinwheel pattern is to start with a large center photo. From there, add the same size photos on each side of that center photo and work your way out. Since I did not have a large number of photos, I added in square pieces of paper to fill in the page. I ended up with a long rectangular section in my pattern. Fortunately, I found chipboard words that fit perfectly. However, one of those words did not fit my color scheme so I altered it a little with ink.

One last note is my continuous and never ending battle with the alphabets I have on hand. My mission to use those alphabets is working but the stash doesn't seem to budge much! I have become somewhat an expert on altering letters to make them work. I did not have any of the letters I needed for my title - even when I changed the title a thousand times. (OK that is a little exaggeration but you get the point.) I settled on the "Too Cool" title and went to work. The "t" was originally and "f" - just trimmed the top. The "o's" were the inside sections left over from other letters like "g" and such. The "C" was a "Q" - again trimmed. Finally, the "l" was a "k" - again trimmed. I have learned that the letters look better if they are trimmed instead of trying to add a section to complete the letter needed.

In any case, squares are a great shape to use on your work. How creative can you be? I would love to see! Links are due at the end of November!

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Ever since I reorganized by stash as recommended by Totally Tiffany (though I use binders instead of racks), I can find the embellishments that fit my page so easily. I love it! If you get a chance - check out the website.

I followed a simple sketch from Sketch N Scrap and in my opinion - it is wonderful! Here is the sketch and my layout:

Forgive the poor lighting - taking pictures inside, at night is not an easy task for me! I find a small sense of pleasure knowing that every piece of material used on this page is old - like almost a decade old! Most notably, the ladybugs. They are up-cycled from a t-shirt by daughter wore as a toddler!

I hope you can join me in the sketch challenge - it is great for beginners to the pros! Links close on October 31st!

Materials Used: unfortunately - the manufacturers are completely unknown on all the products.... sorry. The alphabet and flowers are acrylic. The ladybugs are from a t-shirt.

The new challenge at Lasting Memories is titled, "Fall Celebrations." With so many celebrations in the fall - this should be an easy challenge to participate in (links due 10/28). I choose to scrap my son going "Trick or Treating" - of course celebrating Halloween.

This was also an opportunity for me to use something new. A full sheet transparency. I thought the title on this transparency fitted this two young, gruesome creatures.

The first trick was to find what to attach it to and how. I decided to use white paper since the design on the transparency showed better. Next, I strategically used glue dots under the black images. This worked well for me since I later decided to add journaling, graphics, and a tag under the transparency. On top, I added a spider and photos and that wraps it up! I am sure I could have done more creative things with this sheet but baby steps - right!

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

If you haven't figured it out - I truly enjoy working with sketch challenges. It takes all the guess work of putting a page together. The sketch I used to put this page together was a really fun challenge at Stuck?!

I adjusted the sketch to accommodate three photos instead of four. Here is my page:

I hope you can join me on this challenge, the link closes on October 29th.

I don't know about you, but for myself, I love to re-discover old tools and use those items that have been in my stash for more years than I can remember. The current challenge at Scrap Our Stash, helped me do both!

The challenge is called Sketch + (3). The idea is to follow the sketch and include one item from each list showcased. Here is the board to help understand the challenge.

I followed the sketch and included the follow items: from list 1 - diecut (crayons), list 2 - envelope, and list 3 - flowers. Here is my work:

This was a great way to use your stash - at least for me! I dusted off my original Sizzix die and found an envelope that has been sitting around for at least 10 years (*gasp*). Join me and scrap your stash! Links are due October 29th.

Monday, October 17, 2016

I enjoy doing Project Life Style pages - especially when I want to include lots of photos. However, there are few Project Life Style challenges that I have found. (And challenges keep me motivated to keep working on my albums.) So I am taking the liberty and getting a little creative. I decided to use a card sketch from Sketch N Scrap for my title card on this Project Life Style page. Here is the sketch and my work:

I hope the folks at Sketch N Scrap do not mind I did this - but I appreciate the motivation to get this done! To join me in this challenge, be sure to link up by October 31st.

I have not scrapped all summer. Now, I am finding myself searching for an opportunity to scrap. I honestly think scrapping is a great form of therapy - not sure if it is cheaper than actual therapy - but I digress. In any case, I am tickled pink to be making progress on my albums.

I completed this Project Life page with the help of the friendly folks at Sketches In Thyme Project Life Style (#47). They had a great sketch challenge and I used it for my main card/title slot. Here is the sketch and my work:

I rotated the sketch to fit my pocket and then I coordinated the other cards. I even had my daughter journal about the experience (though a four years later...).

Join me in this super sketch challenge - the links close on October 31st.

Sunday, October 16, 2016

I have so many favorite fall activities -- it is hard to choose one. Really. However, for the new challenge at Lasting Memories I went to my "to scrap" pile to see what I had on hand. I found a school paper where my then 8 year old was writing about our Thanksgiving traditions. I truly enjoy seeing my kids school work and craft projects. I particularly love reading about what they are thankful for. So - I am declaring that my favorite fall activity - looking at my kids schoolwork (I never get as much stuff to look at in the spring - hmmmm).

Here is my example this week:

I have to mention that sometimes - you have to just stop and let it go. What I mean is -- for some reason this piece of schoolwork would not let me punch the paper edge. It kept getting caught and ripping. I was determined to make it work and soon I realized that I was ruining the schoolwork! ACCKK! Obviously I can not replace it. So, I just left it as it is as soon as I realized my error. Hence the goofy edge. Oh well.... what can I do?

I hope you can join us in this fun challenge - links are due October 28th.

Friday, October 14, 2016

Who would have thought that when doing a page of creepy, crawly things that make the hair on your arms stand straight up - would be designed in pretty pink papers, flowers, and a bow? I wouldn't but I did.

If you are following me, you know that I am working on my Girl Scout's overnighter to the zoo. Tons of pictures - perfect use of pocket pages.

Most people that use Project Life (online or in person) use it as it is intended - to document a period of time - most often a week. I am not that organized nor current enough to make that happen. However, the concept is still brilliant. I use my Project Life pages to quickly scrap an event that has a TON of photos that I just have to include for one reason or another. One perfect example is a trip to the zoo with my Girl Scout troop. To help me try to get a little creative with these pages - I use challenges.

One of my favorite places to check out first is Sketches In Thyme Project Life Style. They post weekly sketch challenge. Love it! Here is the challenge for the first week of October:

This is what I created:

And the complete page:

Give Project Life/Pocket Pages and Sketches In Thyme Project Life Style a shot - you won't be disappointed. Be sure to link your work by October 31st.

Sunday, October 9, 2016

The new challenge at Lasting Memories is titled, "Elements of Nature." This means use leaves, twigs, trees, etc. on your layouts. This is my work:

I used a paper with leaves on it - so I guess I cheated a little. I did stitch yarn - which is a challenge not to rip the paper - slow and easy was the secret. I also painted chipboard - which for me is something new - believe it or not! I'd love to see your creativity in this challenge! Be sure to link up by October 28th.

Saturday, October 8, 2016

Today, I have completed yet another double page spread. This time one half of the spread was done for two challenges. The first is for a sketch challenge at Let's Get Sketchy (Week 1). To participate in this challenge and be eligible for the random drawing at the end of the month, you have to participate in at least 3 of the 4 challenges throughout the month. The link closes on October 30th.

The other challenge is by Bitten By The Bug 2 and you are to "Frame It Up" - using a frame cut from the Cricut collection. To participate in this challenge - hurry the link closes on October 10th.

This is what I created:

Lots of layering on this layout as well as a few foam tabs. There really isn't much to add regarding my work. However, for the Bitten By The Bug 2 challenge, I need to mention that I used the "Creepy Critters" cartridge for the frame.

Sometimes - you just have to do it. You have to use a poor quality image just because it captures a moment. This spread is no exception to that rule - catching my son just before he falls on the ice was well - priceless. (OK I have to admit that sounded a bit cruel but hopefully you know what I mean.)

Thursday, October 6, 2016

As soon as I saw this sketch at Grand Diva's Creative Corner, I knew it was perfect for my son's hockey pictures since the logo on his shirt had triangles too. I know, a bit crazy, but hey it works for me.

I got to work on putting my page together. However, I couldn't reduce my pile of photos to just two. I also worked ahead of myself and cut the triangles from paper I thought was perfect for my layout. However, between the increased photos and my triangles already cut - the sketch was not working for me according to design (the triangles were getting lost behind my photos). Not wanting to give up, I moved the triangles around a little and ta-da another completed page!

OOO - I was creative with my alphabet again - my stash is slowly dwindling down. The "e" is the classic upside-down "3," the "a's" are cut "d's,", the "r" is an upside-down "j" - minus the dot, and the "o" is the inside/left-over center of the original "o's." Whew.

This month at Another Freaking Scrappy Challenge it is all about the word "dream." The challenge is to scrap where you dream of going, what you dream of becoming, a daydream, an old dream, or about literal dreams - nightmares, unusual ones, a photo of a child or adult sleeping. You get the idea!I chose to scrap about my daughter's dream coming true - she always wanted to take horse back riding lessons and four years later - she still does. These photos are from one of her very first lessons.It has been awhile since I created a true double page layout!

Since this was my daughter's dream, I had her write a little note to include on the page. Short and sweet!I love to see what "dreams" mean to you (or your family) - join me and be sure to link up by the end of October!Materials Used: Coredinations embossed cardstock, ribbon, We R Memory Keepers photo corner and patterned papers, Recollections flowers, die cut leaves, brads, vellum quote, Paper Trunk - Benny alphabet, and Chic Tags -Autumn Days Journaling Tags.

I love fall. I love everything about this glorious season - all the vibrant colors, the scenery, sweaters, and comfort food. Ahhh. Fortunately for me, the challenge at Lasting Memories this week is all about fall colors - use burnt oranges, browns, and deep reds.

This is what I created:

I have to be honest and say that this layout came together very easily with the Harvest Lane collection from Simple Stories. With a little fussy cutting, the sticker embellishment sheet, brads, and twine - the layout was complete!

Grab your favorite fall beverage and join us at Lasting Memories! You have until the end of October to participate in this challenge.

Current Design Team

About Me

As a mother of two, I have a ton of pictures to scrap into albums. I must also confess that I am years behind! I started to blog in 2013 and since then I have found great inspiration online. I enjoy numerous tutorials, fun challenges, and more importantly a group of friends that share the same hobby. My goal is to try to complete an average of a layout a day!